Concerned about what exactly is in those products you are slathering on your face, hair, and body? If not, maybe you should be. Did you know that cosmetic and personal care companies are allowed to use almost any ingredient they wish in their products, and that the U.S. government doesn’t review their safety before they’re sold?

Thanks to Environmental Working Group, there is a website called “Skin Deep” that has done most of the research for you! Just type in your favorite lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, sunscreen, etc., to find out just how safe it really is for you or your children.

Maybe you know this already, but baking soda has a variety of uses, way beyond baking. The thing I love about this, is that I can buy one box of this nontoxic, antiseptic, antifungal, and lightly-exfoliating powder, and use it for dozens of things, eliminating clutter and cutting way down on cost. View this article written by Alexandra Spunt to get you started: http://www.good.is/post/seven-surprising-ways-to-use-baking-soda/

As a side note, one of my favorite uses for this is as a facial cleanser, but the trick is to use it on your finger tips with water in a circular motion. Ahhhh, I can feel the exfoliating power now…

Palm oil, the nasty stuff that clogs your arteries, right? Well, maybe not. Did you know that palm oil is the second most popular oil used in the world, and has many nutritious properties? Contrary to popular belief, I was amazed when I took a look at this book “The Palm Oil Miracle”, and discovered that palm oil just might have some serious health benefits.

I found this website, www.tropicaltraditions.com, and ordered me some red palm oil, palm shortening, and coconut oil. I will be posting my first hand findings in days to come.

“She Gathers” is for those women out there who are seeking information, resources, or encouragement pertaining to the topics of, “What should I eat?”, “Why should I eat it?”, and “Where do I get it?” These posts are pieces of knowledge I’ve picked up over past years of searching for food that is good for my body. Listening to TV commercials, and shopping only in supermarkets, has not provided me with answers. I’m finding it sometimes takes being, “like a merchant ship who brings her food from afar”, as it is written in Proverbs 31:14. Hence the title, “She Gathers”.

Many have come to a point where there is a desire to change eating habits, for reasons such as illness, allergy, or just plain energy. My hope is that this can be a resource, a stepping stone of sorts, in your own journey in gaining knowledge of food. •